Those asked to serve as pulpit supply should be contacted well in advance of the date needed and, upon acceptance of the date(s) for supply, be provided with a copy of the worship bulletin and pertinent information concerning the service that would be helpful for the pastor to know to provide a meaningful worship experience for the congregation or setting. Those who need supply a supply pastor during vacation Sunday’s or other times of worship are asked to make those arrangements on their own.
A member of the congregation or setting familiar with worship practices should be on hand to welcome the pastor prior to the service. The recommended honorarium for one worship service is $125 plus mileage according to the latest IRS accepted rate. For additional services, scheduled within three (3) to four (4) hours of the conclusion of the initial worship service, whether at the same congregation or at another, as in two-point parishes, an additional $50 per service should be paid plus any additional mileage.
If additional services are scheduled during the week that are similar to the Sunday worship, i.e., Wednesday evening, Saturday evening, an additional honorarium of $50 for each additional service plus mileage at the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate should be paid. For additional responsibilities, appropriate compensation should be provided. If needed, expenses for lodging and meals are to be paid by the congregation at the reimbursable rate agreed upon between the pastor and the congregation.
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